“Touch of star quality? Indeed!” That’s how track announcer Tom Durkin assessed the performance of MINESHAFT’s son Touchofstarquality at Belmont July 6, following what Durkin described as a “fairly remarkable run from last” in the 3yo colt’s career debut.

In addition to winning at first asking for owner Jay Em Ess and the Michelle Nevin barn, Touchofstarquality was tabbed a “Rising Star” by the Thoroughbred Daily News editors, who noted “he completely blew the break and was turned sideways after hitting the left side of the gate. Touchofstarquality still had plenty to do as he began to roll on the far turn, and came charging down the lane on the outside without being asked to impressively run by 6-5 favorite Silver and Onions for an eye-catching 1 1/4-length decision.”

Co-bred and sold by Lane’s End, Touchofstarquality becomes the latest star-in-the-making for MINESHAFT, the sire of Grade 1 winners like DISCREETLY MINE, It’s Tricky and Dialed In.

MINESHAFT, perennially a leader sire, who is currently siring 9% stakes winners from starters, is also the sire of the 2013 stakes winners:

Mine Over Matter, a four-time stakes winner in New York who has earned over $485,000

Hoist, SW & GSP earner of over $200,000

Fly Down, a Grade 2 winner and MG1SP performer with a bankroll of nearly $1.2 million

MINESHAFT’s further 2013 standouts included the MGSP Starship Universe, second by a head in the G3 Whimsical S. at Woodbine; and Delightful Magic, who won her second straight with a wire-to-wire win in a Churchill Downs allowance June 13 (95 BRIS).

At the juvenile sales, meanwhile, 2-year-olds by MINESHAFT sold for $140,000, $130,000 (2), $100,000, etc.

Keep an eye out for youngsters by MINESHAFT at the upcoming yearling sales!